BMW X1 E84 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE W166

BMW X1

E84 · 2009 – 2015

The first-generation X1 (E84), rear-wheel-drive based.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

W166 · 2011 – 2019

The ML-Class / first GLE generation.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X1

Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.

Best engine: The 20i (N20 petrol) or 20d (N47 diesel).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Pick the GLE for space, comfort and powerful engines in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The GLE 250 d (diesel) or GLE 350 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

N20 20i · Petrol vs M276 GLE 350 · Petrol

	BMW X1	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	184 hp	306 hp Winner
Torque	270 Nm	370 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	7,7 s	7,5 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h	235 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	121,1 hp/t	142,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	168 g/km Winner	185 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	6,7 L/100km Winner	7,9 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW X1	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	420 L	690 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.350 L	2.010 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,76 m	2,92 m Winner
Length	4,45 m	4,82 m
Ground clearance	18,3 cm	21,0 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	11,8 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X1	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	E84 (E90 3 Series base, rear-wheel drive)	M-Class rear-wheel-drive base
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	N20 2.0 petrol · N47 2.0 diesel · N55 3.0 (xDrive35i)	M276/M278 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed automatic	7-speed 7G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 5	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X1

N47 timing chain (pre-2011)
Transfer case (xDrive)
Cooling system needs checking

Mercedes-Benz GLE

OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx issues possible
OM642 V6 diesel: oil cooler / intake manifold issues
7G-TRONIC: judder or delayed engagement if fluid is neglected
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage

Pros

BMW X1

Handling thanks to rear-wheel drive
Compact footprint
Good headroom

Mercedes-Benz GLE

690 L boot growing to ~2,010 L — roomy for a large SUV
OM651 2.1 diesel (GLE 250 d: 204 hp / 500 Nm) for pulling power
V6/V8 options (GLE 350 / GLE 500) for smooth performance

Cons

BMW X1

Firm ride
Small boot for the class

Mercedes-Benz GLE

OM651/OM642 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/DPF need checking
7G-TRONIC needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage

Driving experience

BMW X1

—

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Big, comfortable and more truck-like than the GLC. The W166 rides with a soft, absorbent gait, especially on AIRMATIC, steers lightly with little feedback, and feels genuinely large and commanding from behind the wheel. 4MATIC is standard and gives confident traction, though this is a comfort-first car rather than an agile one. The M276 V6 petrol is smooth and strong, the OM642 diesel is the towing and distance workhorse, and the 500 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The 7G/9G automatic is smooth. It is a spacious, comfortable large SUV built for comfort, space and towing, not for keen driving.